According to BBC News, Adele’s 2011 behemoth has now outsold the “the greatest album of all time” (cf practically everybody). As of this week, Michael Jackson’s Thriller has shifted 4,273,800 copies, whereas Adele has now sold 4,274,300 – a lead of 500 units. Adele’s sophomore record has had a new lease of life in the last few weeks, selling an average of 20,000 copies per week.

If 21 wants to take the crown, it still has to sell more than (in ascending order) (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?, ABBA’s Gold, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and the all-conquering Greatest Hits set from Queen. Considering the album’s not even 18 months old, we imagine Ms. Adkins is in with a good chance.